kcobb47 I'm a huge fan of KITH, Mr. Show, and A Bit of Fry & Laurie and I think this show has the potential to end up in that rarified air. The sketches are clever and hilarious and they're not tethered to impressions, recurring characters or current events, which is refreshing.Give these guys time to mature and I think they'll be the next big thing. Only Key and Peele can compete with these guys in terms of quality sketch comedy that is currently in production.I see several negative reviews here which is fine, its not for everyone. What I don't get is why people have to be so over-the-top with their negativity these days! You can just say you don't like. You don't have to call it 'crap' or moan about losing respect for Bob Odenkirk. It ain't that serious folks!

mrs_show The initial reason that I watched The Birthday Boys was because I heard Bob Odenkirk would appear in there and those who know me know how much I love Bob Odenkirk. It is hilarious. I guarantee you you will laugh. The boys are very good at the comedy. Of course being directed by Bob Odenkirk it was brilliantly shot and the acting was superb. The sketches they had in there were funny too reminded me a little of Mr. Show with Bob and David. I'm presuming its because Bob's genius mind was involved in it somehow. I have been having super withdrawals from Mr. Show with Bob and David and when this came out I was super excited. Thank god it wasn't a let down but then again I didn't think it would be. There isn't very much genius comedy like this around but thank god for Bob Odenkirk is all I can say. 10 out of 10 for this show. Truly genius. I cannot say it enough.

rzajac I'm seeing quite the polarization, here: Folks either think it's the bees' knees, or think it sucks. For one thing, I don't think there's any use comparing it against Mr. Show: The flavor is very updated/refined/lower-key. I like that; it's a different modality, and one I could plug in to.The key, I think, is that Odenkirk is trying to become a better and better producer of media products that aspire to true art, and I for one see TBBs as a step in this direction.So: What makes TBBs look, to me, like such a step? The writing and directing are very well-integrated. This integration means that they don't have to rely on an "obvious" sketch gimmick to clue in the acting talent as to their motivation. Bob has a subtler idea, and he ably directs very able actors to achieve these subtler comic effects. Good on 'im!I was just thinking of watching them again. Yeah! I think I'll do that!

JulesnLiv Plenty to appreciate about this show. The writing and the acting make for a good time. I look forward to it every week. I'd like to catch these guys performing live. Looks like they have a lot of fun making the show, and it translates to fresh, inspired television. The pace is good. They know how long a sketch ought to be, unlike some other shows where a sketch should have ended a few minutes earlier. This show keeps things moving. I recommend getting the iTunes season pass. Our cable provider eliminated IFC from our package, so I'm glad to have found another way to watch the show. Check it out if you haven't already.